FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

30 May 2018

Fraternities declare support for substance-free housing

On May 16, Delta Upsilon Fraternity announced a plan to implement substance-free homes for all of its chapters. DU’s announcement came on the heels of Beta Theta Pi’s substance-free policy outlined in its strategic plan released in February.

Both announcements demonstrate support for a movement started by SigEp’s undergraduates, who voted to implement substance-free chapter homes back in August 2017 at the Grand Chapter Conclave.

In explaining the fraternity’s decision, Delta Upsilon’s president, E. Bruce McKinney said:

Delta Upsilon chapter facilities must be safe, productive places to live and learn at all times … Removing alcohol from our facilities sends a clear message about our purpose, values and commitment to make campuses safe for all students.

A few months ago, Beta Theta Pi General Secretary S. Wayne Kay had a similarly supportive comment:

[W]e call on all of our peer fraternities to enact similar measures …. With Farmhouse, Phi Delta Theta and Sigma Phi Epsilon having already stepped forward on this matter, imagine if all 70 other inter/national fraternities took this same substance-free housing step we all know is inevitable and needed.

Both fraternities have chosen to mirror SigEp’s timeline, where all chapter homes completely substance-free by August of 2020. Phi Delta Theta adopted a substance-free housing policy in 2000.

###

If you would like more information about this topic please contact Strategic Communications Director Andrew Parrish at 804.510.0055.

Sigma Phi Epsilon is an American college fraternity with more than 14,000 undergraduates on 215 campuses across the United States. Established in 1901, its mission is “Building Balanced Men,” which is achieved through a continuous member development program focused on academic achievement, healthy lifestyle choices and leadership development. The Fraternity currently maintains a 3.20 national GPA.